Spartans share advice from summer internships

This summer, Aurora University students gained hands-on experience through internships in industries ranging from healthcare and government to marketing, business, and research. Internships provide a valuable way for students to apply classroom knowledge in the field while building skills, exploring career paths, and making an impact in their communities.

Along the way, they picked up valuable insights for fellow students preparing for their own internship journeys. Here’s their advice:

Choose Internships that Align with Your Goals

Selecting an internship connected to your major, minor, or personal interests can make the experience more relevant and rewarding.

• “Seek internships related to your major or minor. It makes the experience more relevant,” said Ainsley Martin ’26, who researched exhibitions at the Vintage Purse Museum.
• “Pursue internships that genuinely interest you and focus on building professional connections — they’re key to future opportunities,” said Anthony Czerwiec ’27, who gained insight into the daily operations of public service through Rep. Patrick Sheehan’s district office.

Embrace New Challenges

The most growth often comes from taking on challenges and exploring new environments.

• “Step out of your comfort zone. The most growth happens in the roles that challenge you,” advised Jacob Code ’26, who interned as a digital marketing specialist with Foresight Sports Canada.
• Mateo Bustamante ’25, a Nursing student and intern in the surgical ICU at Mayo Clinic, echoed this: “Be open to every learning opportunity. Growth comes from curiosity, initiative, and reflection.”

Build Your Network Early

Building connections can open doors to future opportunities.

• “Network early and often. Connect on LinkedIn and apply for internships as early as possible to get ahead in a competitive market,” said Alondra Navarro ’26, who worked in marketing for Versiti Blood Center.
• For Alex Ageladelis ’26, a congressional intern in Washington, D.C., supporting Florida Congressman Gus Bilirakis, networking was essential: “Network, network, network. Capitol Hill thrives on connections and relationships.”
• Samantha Galvez ’27, who worked in school district administration, added, “Don’t be afraid to network and make connections. Opportunities often come through the people you know.”

Plan Ahead and Apply with Purpose

A polished application can make all the difference.

• “Apply early and to a variety of opportunities,” said Madeline Gartrell ’26, who interned with Illinois state Sen. Laura Ellman. “Work with your internship advisor to craft a standout cover letter and resume.”
• Maggie Szweda ’26, an HR intern for the City of St. Charles, encouraged persistence: “Start applying for internships early, don’t get discouraged, and treat every interview as a learning opportunity.”

Tap Into Your Connections

Sometimes the best opportunities come from the people you already know.

• “Leverage your current network — friends, family, and professors — to discover opportunities and make connections,” advised Reese Mahoney ’27, who interned in corporate accounting at Tentac Enterprises.
• Kim Leslie ’26, who applied her writing and editing skills during her internship with Valley Industrial Association, emphasized the value of faculty relationships: “Build relationships with your professors. They can be your biggest allies in securing internships.”

Stay Curious and Keep Learning

Approaching your internship with curiosity helps you get the most out of the experience.

• “Approach your internship with purpose and curiosity. Ask questions, seek feedback, and actively build your professional network,” said Natalie Keltner ’26, who conducted lab research at Argonne National Laboratory.
• Adam Stahly ’26, an IT engineering intern at Tech Connection, LLC, agreed: “Embrace curiosity and be relentlessly proactive. Actively seek learning opportunities and ask questions to gain valuable experience.”
• “Ask questions, get involved, and take part in as many professional experiences as you can,” added Billy Hawley ’25, a business development and sales research intern for Ducharme McMillan and Associates whose experience led to a full-time job offer.

Career Services is Here to Help

Whether you are seeking your first internship, exploring career options, or preparing for graduate opportunities, Career Services is here to guide you every step of the way. Contact career@aurora.edu for internship assistance.

Employers interested in hiring AU interns can learn more at aurora.edu/employers or contact employers@aurora.edu.